Once upon a time, I was a youth director of a synagoge. There, I met a wonderful family, and the wife was a RK (rabbi's kid) like me. In fact, our families knew each other from our days on Long Island.
Her oldest son decided to join the Navy as a pilot.
She asked me if there was a blessing for that moment. Besides the "Shehecheyanu" prayer, no. But I'd happily write one for him.
Who knows? Perhaps one day, Arik and I will serve together. Wouldn't that be something!
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If you would join me in prayer.
Mekor Chayim, Source of Life,
We are so proud to be present at this holy moment with Arik, as he earns his Navy wings.
With Your support, he overcame the adversities of every trial, physical and mental - like our ancestors Avraham and Daniel.
From aerial attacks and defense at the Battle of Midway, to support of ground troops in Okinawa, to anti-submarine warfare, and humanitarian relief, Arik joins the legacy of Naval Aviation that is rooted in heroism.
He joins the likes of Butch O'Hare, David McCampbell, Thomas Hudner, President George H.W. Bush, Senator John McCain, Neil Armstrong, LT Miroslav “Steven” Zilberman, and so many others.
We ask, Hashem, that you bless Arik as he takes on the mantle of Navy pilot, and the holy mission of Naval Aviation - of making the world a safer place for all, with the blessing that Moshe bestowed upon Yehoshua…
“Chazak V’Ematz,” be strong and of good courage.
We pray that You continue to guide Arik, as he continues to embody those words with every new step his Navy journey takes him.
Protect him, as he protects us.
And may he always have fair winds, and following seas.
Amen.
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